However, Zhang later noticed that the book was marked “top secret” and “confidential,” so she reported the situation to the ministry and handed the book over.
The ministry said its investigation found that two men surnamed Guo and Li, both from a military unit “involved in sensitive information”, had sold the materials to the recycling station.
The article said the two had a “weak awareness of information security” and failed to follow proper procedures required to destroy classified documents.
He did not say whether they faced any retaliation.
They sold more than 200 secret items weighing more than 30 kilograms (66 pounds) for about 20 yuan each.
The ministry praised Zhang for reporting the materials, saying his actions prevented further dissemination of classified information and harm to military security.
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Matthew Trickett, a British man accused of espionage in Hong Kong, found dead in park
Matthew Trickett, a British man accused of espionage in Hong Kong, found dead in park
The ministry added that it had instructed relevant departments to “promptly close gaps in information security management.”
The ministry said China’s revised anti-espionage law, which came into force in July last year, requires tighter management of intelligence and classified materials. The law expands the definition of espionage and the investigative powers of national security agencies.
The ministry also cited the revised Law on Protection of State Secrets, which stipulates that the creation, receipt, transfer, use, reproduction, storage, maintenance and destruction of items containing state secrets must comply with relevant regulations.
The revised law came into effect last month, adding more than a dozen clauses to broaden the depth and breadth of its scope.
In a post on Thursday, the ministry called on the public to share information about suspicious activity, including the illegal sale of items containing state secrets.
Over the past year, the Defense Ministry has become more active on social media, posting articles warning of the threat of foreign espionage and educating the public about national security. The ministry has called on the public to join the fight against espionage and support the enforcement of counter-espionage laws.
